Easter Retreat, March 1-April 9, 2023 with Delson Armstrong
This 10-day, 10-night Tranquil Wisdom Insight Meditation retreat is a residential retreat that includes Easter weekend. It is led by Delson Armstrong and takes place at the beautiful St. Francis Retreat Center near San Juan Bautista California. The quiet and spacious facility is nestled amid rolling green hills east of Monterey Bay, an ideal place for deep and secluded meditation.
Participants are instructed and guided in the practice of tranquil wisdom insight meditation. This method of practice is described in the earliest Buddhist texts. It is ideal for beginning students or advanced meditators seeking to cultivate insight using the jhanas leading to liberation.
Located 83 miles south of San Francisco International Airport, the St. Francis Retreat Center is situated on a sunny hillside only a few miles from the historic town of San Juan Bautista Mission.
The contemporary Spanish-style building complex is nestled among shade trees and vineyards on 70 acres of rolling hills. The spacious Fireside room serves as a central meditation hall with optional indoor and outdoor practice areas throughout the complex.
This is a non-profit retreat. Fee cover fixed facilities costs at St. Francis. The teachings are free of charge. The retreat is administered by the Suttavada Foundation and staffed by volunteers. These retreats rely on the generosity of donations to sustain the foundation and its mission to make meditation teachings available world wide to all that aspire to awaken wisdom and compassion. COVID-19 Policy and Guidelines The current COVID-19 policy may be modified or eliminated based on the public health safety measures in accordance with the state mandates, local and St. Francis Retreat policies. COVID-19 guidelines may or may not be necessary to be observed throughout the course. If necessary, the following guidelines will be the best defense against COVID-19 transmission and infection. They help protect the most vulnerable among us. and represent a practice of generosity and loving-kindness in action. • Vaccinations: All staff, teachers, and practitioners must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 including booster shots if applicable. • Negative COVID-19 Test Results: All practitioners, retreat staff will take FDA approved antigen tests on the opening day of a retreat upon arrival at St. Francis or upon admittance on the retreat shuttle bus departing from San Francisco. Individuals will not be admitted to the retreat if the test results are positive for COVID-19. • COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Self-Test Kit: Participants are required to bring four (4) FDA approved home tests to be self administered on each of the first four days of the retreat. This precaution will ensure safety and confidence for all participants for the remainder of the retreat. • Single Rooms: All participants will receive a single room and limited to 30 participants. • N95, KN95 or KF94 Masks Required: In accordance with Public Health mandates, these specific masks are required in all shared indoor spaces for all staff, teachers, and practitioners, including the meditation hall for the first two days. Participants will be given an adequate supply for their personal use for the entire duration of the retreat. The teacher is exempt from the mask requirement while actively offering teachings or during interviews. Masks are not required in your personal dorm room or in outside spaces when physical distancing can be maintained. Participants who do not comply with health and safety guidelines may be asked to leave. • Cleaning: Sanitizing of all high touch areas will be done daily and hand sanitizing stations will be placed in convenient locations around the campus. • Dining Hall: Physical distancing in suggested to be maintained in the dining hall and outdoor tables. We ask that participants practice mindfulness while eating and not linger in the dining hall after each meal. • Physical Distancing in Meditation Hall: Arrange chairs to maintain physical distancing in the meditation hall • Symptom Check: Participants are requested to consult the Retreat manager if COVI-19 symptoms arise. • Sick Policy: If a participant becomes sick, remain in your room and ask for the Retreat Manager. You will also ask them to take an antigen self-test onsite. If the test results are positive for COVID-19, the participant must exit the retreat at their own expense. The retreat manager will support early departures as best as possible. • Responsiveness: The COVID-19 situation is fluid. The retreat managers will adjust the guidelines as needed to make the retreat experience as comfortable and accommodating as possible. Accommodations
Dining
Registration
Registration Fee
Single Occupancy = $1350, Deposit Required = $400 Payment policy · Full and final payment is due on February 1st, 2023. Refund policy · In the unlikely event the retreat will be cancelled payment minus a maximum of $100 will be retained to cover fixed overhead expenses incurred. All unused fees will be refunded to the source of payment. · Payment of deposit and fees are non-refundable. Full credit for all fees paid may be applied to future retreats hosted by the retreat management for up to one year. Arrival and departure by private car
Check in at St. Francis opens at 3:15 PM. Plan to arrive at the center between 3:00 and 4:00 PM to check in on the first day. The center is closed to participant until 3:00 PM. Parking is available next to the lower building. The Fireside Room in the lower building is group meditation and Dhamma talks. On the first day, orientation, begins at 5:00 PM followed by dinner at 6:00PM, and Delson's introduction at 7:00 PM. The retreat ends after the morning meditation on the last day of the retreat with time for breakfast, socialize, take photos, and pack. Those returning by van SFO and neighboring hotels will depart at 10:oo AM. Arrival by air requiring ground transportation Out-of-town participants requiring ground transportation must coordinate flight arrival and departure times with the retreat managers before booking airline or hotel reservations. For your convenience, a passenger van service will provide round trip shuttle to and from the retreat center. Reservations require a $130 per person fee payable March 1, 2022. To book a reservation, contact: Nat Heidler at: nheidler@gmail.com. Include your flight itinerary, mobile phone number. and hotel if applicable. Departure Schedule: Sunday, April 10, San Francisco to St. Francis Retreat Pick up Point #1: 1:00 PM. Pickup, San Francisco Airport International Terminal, Arrivals, Door 5 Pick up Point #2: 1:15 PM, Pick up, The Millwood Hotel and Suites, 1375 El Camino Real, Millbrae, California, 94030 3:15 PM, Arrive to St. Francis Retreat for check-in and orientation Return Schedule: Thursday, April 20, St. Francis Retreat to San Francisco 10:00 AM, Depart St. Francis Drop-off Point #1: 11:45 AM, San Francisco airport departure terminals Drop-off Point #2: 12:15 PM, The Millwood Hotel and Suites 1375 El Camino Real, Millbrae, California, 94030 Participants arriving by air should make flight and hotel reservations with adequate time to connect with either private transportation or retreat ground transportation.
Detailed Retreat Information
What to Wear:The weather in San Juan Bautista in April is typically sunny with cool, clear nights. The average daytime temperature is 72ºF (20ºC). Nighttime average low temperature is 45ºF (8ºC). Rain is likely so be prepared and bring and umbrella or other wet weather gear for walking outdoors. Bring comfortable, loose-fitting clothes, such as sweat pants with elastic waistband. Be prepared with layers that can be added or removed. A warm jacket is needed for cold nights and evening walking meditation. Comfortable slip-on shoes are appropriate for walking around the compound. Headgear, such as a hat with a brim, and sunglasses are handy for sunny days. House-slippers and warm socks are appropriate in the meditation hall. Bring a shawl or small blanket for outdoor, seated meditations in the gardens and patio areas. What to Bring for Meditation: Chairs for sitting will be provided in the meditation hall. You may wish to bring your own special chair, if desired, along or meditation cushions or pillows. Other Necessities to Bring: Bed linens, blankets, and towels are provided by the center. You may want to bring a special personal pillow or blanket, if desired. Bring personal toiletries (toothpaste, bath soap, sunscreen, Kleenex, etc), flashlight or headlamp, an alarm clock or watch with an alarm, and a water bottle to be filled at the center with filtered water as needed. There will be wake up and notification bell to announce meals and group gatherings. COVID-19 supplies as specified if required. What to Leave at Home: Do not bring valuables, nonprescription drugs or alcohol. Do not bring food, unless you have made prior arrangements with the retreat managers for accommodation of special dietary needs. Avoid using scented cosmetics or perfumes that may be allergenic to others. Reading and writing are discouraged during this training period, except during the evening dhamma talks by Delson, Candles, incense, and smoking are not allowed in any building or room. Clocks and Phones: Please attend to personal matters before coming so a not to hamper progress in mediation. To support the practice of silence, participants’ cell phones and tablets, and computers will be collected at the beginning of the retreat and held in a secure area until breakfast on the last day of the retreat. Emergency Phone Numbers: There is no public phone on the facility. If your family needs to reach you in an emergency, they may call these emergency contact numbers. Retreat Manager, Scott Jordan cell phone: 415-250-5294 St. Francis Retreat business office phone: 831-623-4234 St. Francis Retreat emergency after hours phone: 831-207-7042 |
Delson Armstrong
Delson is a distinguished meditation and Buddhist studies teacher. He is regarded as a master meditation teacher in Tranquil Wisdom Insight Meditation. Online retreats are available with physical retreat available starting in 2022 in and Europe and North America. 
Delson dedicates his life to teaching the path to liberation through methodology laid out in the Buddhist sutras. He guides beginners and experienced meditators in videos and 10-day retreats.
His latest book; A Mind Without Craving, offers detailed exploration into the nature of reality, behavioral reprogramming, karma, rebirth, consciousness, and liberation. As a natural next step, we are happy to announce his Dhamma name: Dhammācariya Sobhana 
Video Interviews
Practice Schedule
All participants are required to be present and seated in the meditation hall for the 5:30 AM and 6:00 PM sessions. One-on-one interviews are scheduled with Delson throughout the retreat. During practice periods, participants will balance periods of sitting and walking meditation as recommend by Delson. Indoor and outdoor meditation practice is encouraged. FIRST DAY______________ 3:15 - 4:30 Check in 5:00 - 6:00 Orientation by Staff 6:00 - 6:45 Dinner 7:00 - 8:00 Introduction by Delson 8:00 - 10:00 Meditation 10:00 pm Further practice or sleep DAILY SCHEDULE_________ 5:00 am Wake up 5:30 am Group meditation 7:30 am Breakfast 8:00 am Self-directed meditation 12:00 pm Lunch 1:30 pm Self-directed meditation 5:30 pm Tea Break 6:00 pm Dhamma talk 8:00 pm Self-directed meditation 10:00 pm Further practice or sleep LAST DAY_______________ 5:30 - 7:00 Meditation & Closing 7:30 - 9:00 Breakfast & Socializing 10:00 Departure Hotels near SFO
Early arriving participants or staying over after the retreat are advised to select a hotel from the list below. These hotels are near SFO, modestly priced, and offer courtesy airport shuttle service, wi-fi, and complementary breakfast. Cheaper rates may be available through Hotels.com. Kayak.com, and other Web based providers. The hotels listed below are located only a few miles proximity of SFO in a commercial district with nearby restaurants. Millwood Inn & Suites 1375 El Camino Real, Millbrae, California 94030 Contact: 650-583-3935 Email: info@millwoodinn.com Days Inn San Francisco International Airport West 1550 El Camino Real, San Bruno, California 94066 Contact: 650-616-9600 Email: info@daysinnsanbruno.com La Quinta Inn & Suites, San Francisco Airport West 1390 El Camino Real Millbrae, CA 94030 Phone: 1-650-952-3200 Emergency Numbers
There is no public phone on the facility. If your family needs to reach you in an emergency, they may call these emergency contact numbers. Retreat Manager, Scott Jordan cell phone: 415-250-5294 St. Francis Retreat business office phone: 831-623-4234 St. Francis Retreat emergency after hours phone: 831-207-7042 Map
549 Mission Vineyard Rd,
San Juan Bautista, CA 95045 From SFO drive south on Highway 101 for 80 miles.
1. Exit Hwy 101 onto Hwy 156 East at the San Juan Bautista/Hollister exit 2. After about 3 miles on 156, turn right at the signal onto The Alameda 3. Pass the San Juan Inn and Old San Juan Hollister Road 4. Turn left onto Mission Vineyard Road, continue straight about 0.8 miles. 5. At the indicated bend begin private drive (Retreat /Hedges). The Center is about 1.5 miles from this point. Take the second driveway and continue to the lower parking lot. 
From I-5
1. Exit onto CA-152 W/E Pacheco Blvd. and continue to follow CA-152 W for 35.3 mi 2. Keep left to continue on Hwy 156 W/CA-156 W, follow signs for Hollister,14.1 mi 3. Follow Mission Vineyard Rd to your destination 2.2 mi 4. Turn left onto Old San Juan Hollister Rd 253 ft 5. Turn left onto Mission Vineyard Rd 0.5 mi 6. Turn left to stay on Mission Vineyard Rd 0.3 mi 7. Turn right to stay on Mission Vineyard Rd 1.2 mi | |||||||||||
Guidelines for interaction with the teacher.
Physical contact: please refrain from shaking hands or exchanging hugs
Greeting: The traditional greeting is to have both hands held together in an attitude of prayer.
Entering a room: Please be seated before starting a conversation. Stand up, in respect, when the teacher enters or leave the room. Remain standing until he is seated or has departed.
Attentiveness: Please do not cross your arms or legs during the conversation. It is considered rude to point the soles of your feet at a Buddha image, monk, nun or lay teacher.
Timeliness: Please be present at the scheduled starting time, and plan your questions in advance, to respect the end time.
Conversation topics: Though you’re welcome to have enjoyable conversations about the dhamma and the practice, we ask you to refrain from asking potential controversial questions. As an example, this includes asking for value statements about other practices or religions, about individual attainments, or about potentially controversial topics (i.e. COVID).
Presents: There is no need or expectation, but if you’re inclined for a present, a dana donation to the Suttavāda Foundation would be appreciated. Dhammācariya Sobhana lives by the Dhamma, and with a donation you will help to support his livelihood. Though appreciated, physical presents are not practical during travels.
Physical contact: please refrain from shaking hands or exchanging hugs
Greeting: The traditional greeting is to have both hands held together in an attitude of prayer.
Entering a room: Please be seated before starting a conversation. Stand up, in respect, when the teacher enters or leave the room. Remain standing until he is seated or has departed.
Attentiveness: Please do not cross your arms or legs during the conversation. It is considered rude to point the soles of your feet at a Buddha image, monk, nun or lay teacher.
Timeliness: Please be present at the scheduled starting time, and plan your questions in advance, to respect the end time.
Conversation topics: Though you’re welcome to have enjoyable conversations about the dhamma and the practice, we ask you to refrain from asking potential controversial questions. As an example, this includes asking for value statements about other practices or religions, about individual attainments, or about potentially controversial topics (i.e. COVID).
Presents: There is no need or expectation, but if you’re inclined for a present, a dana donation to the Suttavāda Foundation would be appreciated. Dhammācariya Sobhana lives by the Dhamma, and with a donation you will help to support his livelihood. Though appreciated, physical presents are not practical during travels.
Simplicity and Renunciation
Meditation retreats offer a sacred space that is protected and removed from the world. They allow participants a rare opportunity to look deeply inside, quiet the mind, and open the heart. Often the most beneficial and rewarding experiences of spiritual life happen at a meditation retreat. The sheltered and quiet setting is a key element that enables participants to develop patience, steadfastness, loving-kindness, generosity, joy, and wisdom.
These are the seeds that grow insight, compassion, and happiness. Participants are requested to let go of concerns for daily life and embrace an attitude of simplicity and renunciation by adopting a traditional spiritual practice that is called “taking what is offered.”
Taking What is Offered
The retreat is organized and managed by volunteers as a community service. Delson freely gives the teachings and his time to be of service to the community.
Download the Simplicity and Renunciation print version
Meditation retreats offer a sacred space that is protected and removed from the world. They allow participants a rare opportunity to look deeply inside, quiet the mind, and open the heart. Often the most beneficial and rewarding experiences of spiritual life happen at a meditation retreat. The sheltered and quiet setting is a key element that enables participants to develop patience, steadfastness, loving-kindness, generosity, joy, and wisdom.
These are the seeds that grow insight, compassion, and happiness. Participants are requested to let go of concerns for daily life and embrace an attitude of simplicity and renunciation by adopting a traditional spiritual practice that is called “taking what is offered.”
Taking What is Offered
- Taking any Residence – whatever quarters are offered. We ask participants to happily accept the accommodation assigned and continue to practice in this spirit throughout the retreat.
- Taking Food that is Offered – Happily accepting food that is offered is part of the practice. The cook lovingly prepares tasty and nutritious meals. Gluten-free alternatives will be available for those with medically required dietary restrictions. Participants with other special dietary needs may arrange with the retreat manager to bring supplemental food items with them to the retreat. Food items are prohibited in rooms and the meditation hall. The kitchen is restricted to St. Francis staff.
- Silence – In fostering an atmosphere of contemplation and meditation, participants are expected to embrace the practice of silence during the retreat. Living in silence is the practice of observing within and not communicating with others. This includes reading or writing, using telephones, computer, email, or text messages. Talking is permitted during the evening dhamma talks and teacher interviews when questions are encouraged. Inquiries about the retreat may be directed to a retreat manager or whenever necessary in the case of an emergency.
- Serving the Community – Participants may volunteer for community duties as a daily period of meditation in action. This activity acquaints participants and helps the retreat function move smoothly. A sign-up sheet for daily retreat jobs will be available at registration.
The retreat is organized and managed by volunteers as a community service. Delson freely gives the teachings and his time to be of service to the community.
Download the Simplicity and Renunciation print version
| simplicity_and_renunciation.pdf |